HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1919, Page V

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

, The Industries Committee, in their report to Parliament, consider that if this country is, in the near future, to experience a period of great industrial expansion, no more pressing dutj nevulves upon the State than the development of our magnificent resources ol waterpower. They found an emphatic unanimity of demand for electrical energy, and the members were much impressed with the results that have followed (.he introduction into Christehurch of this power from Lake Coleridge. Not only had existing industries been fostered and stimulated, but a number of new industries had already been started, while the establishment of further new undertakings was promised a« soon as additional power could bo obtained. The harnessing of the great sources of waterpower is a national duty to be undertaken by the Government for the benefit of the whole community and carried out as a national enterprise. On the subject of the national scheme, Mr Parry made it clear that the estimated period for the oarryiug-out of the work could be greatly shortened, and that not only might various works in different portions of one Island be undertaken at the same time, but the work in both Islands could be simul tancously carried out. He declared that given the money and the labor he could, within a period of three years, instal at each of the three main sources in the North Island sufficient plant to meet present requirements. Many of those who did mining Work at the front may b-! contemplating emigration from Britain to the over-sea Dominions. No time, should he lost in bringing under the notice of mining and other workers the advantages that this Dominion affords.

The committee recommend that the Government should at once carry out a comprehensive scheme for the suiply of eicctrical energy to the whole country, and simultaneously in both Islands. The Government should supply the current in bulk, leaving the distribution to the local authorities. >